Synanthropic flies reveal patterns of coexistence in urban, rural, and forest environments in Curitiba
Dr. J.R. de Almeida
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Editora Priscila M. S. Gomes
From May 1980 to April 1981, researchers carried out a systematic survey of flies belonging to the families Fanniidae and Anthomyiidae in the city of Curitiba and surrounding areas in Paraná, southern Brazil. The study, conducted across three distinct environments urban, rural, and natural forest sheds light on how these insects adapt to and interact with human-modified landscapes.
To attract the flies, three types of bait were used: fish, chicken viscera, and onion. The year-long sampling effort produced an impressive record of biodiversity, with 13 species of fanniid flies and 10 species of anthomyiid flies identified.
A central focus of the research was the calculation of the so-called “synanthropic index,” a measure that indicates how strongly a species is associated with environments altered by humans. Among the fanniid flies, Fannia heydenii registered the highest synanthropic index, with a score of +37.49. In the anthomyiid group, Craspedochaeta punatipennis stood out with an even higher index of +67.47. These values reveal not only the high tolerance of these species to human-altered habitats but also their potential dependence on resources found in urbanized and rural areas.
The study also examined the seasonal distribution of the species, highlighting significant variations throughout the year. Certain periods showed population peaks, which were linked to factors such as food availability, temperature, and local climatic conditions. These seasonal patterns provide key insights into population dynamics and the environmental factors that favor higher species incidence.
According to the researchers, the marked presence of these flies in different environments is not merely an ecological observation but also a public health concern. Synanthropic species, by moving between urban centers, rural zones, and forest fragments, may act as potential carriers of microorganisms, transporting pathogens across different habitats.
The findings underscore the importance of monitoring synanthropic flies in urban and rural areas, both to deepen ecological understanding and to anticipate possible risks to human health. Moreover, by comparing preserved forest environments with altered landscapes, the study demonstrates how urbanization and agricultural practices can profoundly reshape the balance of insect communities.
Ultimately, these flies are more than just a common nuisance of city life they serve as biological indicators of the complex relationship between society, environment, and health.
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